South African FM welcomes Egypt’s joining its lawsuit against Israel

CAIRO – 13 May 2024: South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor welcomed on Monday Egypt’s joining of South Africa’s lawsuit filed against Israel before the International Court of Justice.

In statements to al Qahera news channel, she added that Israeli crimes against the Palestinians violate international law.

“We will not back down from our position regarding Palestine and we will continue to defend the Palestinian people”, the minister added

Pandor said that South Africa aspires to a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

“Israel's war on innocent Palestinians, especially women and children, is completely unacceptable and indefensible.” South African Foreign Minister said.

She noted that South Africa will continue to make efforts to implement all decisions issued by international justice and international criminal justice for Gaza.

Pandor thanked Egypt and appreciated its efforts in supporting South Africa's lawsuit before the International Court of Justice on behalf of the Arab countries.

“We have many witnesses to stand before the court, and therefore, our case can be fully heard, and we will continue to communicate with all members of the United Nations, especially members of the Security Council, to reach a permanent ceasefire in Gaza,” The South African Minister said.

A high-level source said, Monday that Egypt informed the negotiating mediators of its rejection of the Israeli escalation in the Palestinian Rafah and held Israel responsible for the deterioration of the situation in the Gaza Strip.

The source added that Israel bears responsibility for preventing aid entry to civilians in the Gaza Strip.